Massive Lineman Takes A Look At Tigers

Lovejoy, Ga.--One of the biggest linemen in the South this year took an unofficial visit to Auburn on Saturday and came away impressed by what he saw. Making his first trip to the Plains, Hardy says that he likes everything about coach Gene Chizik's program following his visit.

"It was definitely nice," 6-7, 360 Hardy tells Inside The Auburn Tigers. "There is a lot of tradition there. I wouldn't mind being a part of that. Hopefully I'll get an offer soon.

"It's just what they always say, it's family," he adds. "Family and tradition. That's it."

With an offer from North Carolina State and receiving interest from several schools in the ACC, SEC and Big 12, Hardy plays both offense and defense for Lovejoy and has started for three seasons. He says that while his size lends him to offense, he actually prefers the defensive side of the ball.

"I don't like to be mean or rude, but I've always preferred defense," Hardy says. "I have always gone way harder and played way better on defense than on the offensive side of the ball. On offense I'll do well if that's what teams want me to do."

Lovejoy is a school that has a recent history of producing players that wind up at Auburn. Mario Fannin, Byron Isom and Andre Harris are all currently with the Tigers and it's something that Hardy says definitely plays into things when he thinks about Auburn.

"It plays a big role into this," Hardy notes. "If I didn't go to Lovejoy I probably wouldn't have been in Auburn Saturday. Lovejoy and Auburn with the connection they have is real good. I would say it's a tradition. So much history between the two."